The howling wind battered the small camp, blowing stinging flakes into Ye Tian's eyes. He checked the countdown on his system again.
[Estimated time until Frostfang scouts arrive: 00:05:00]
Beside him, Liu Yulan practiced forming ice spears as fast as she could, sweat and frost mixing on her skin. Her breathing was still ragged from the earlier battle.
Ye Tian stared at his remaining CP.
[CP Remaining: 80]
After killing the Frostfang Beast, he had gained 50 CP. But with this next wave coming, he knew that their simple wooden stake weapons and crude ice magic wouldn't hold out forever.
'Think, Ye Tian, Think!'
His mind raced back to his old life — late nights gaming, watching war documentaries, studying all sorts of random survival tactics, and having a Two year training at KWFG.
In that sudden spark of inspiration, he realized:
'Why limit myself to primitive weapons? This is a system world. Why not… modern weapons?'
His fingers trembled as he typed a command.
> /give M4A1 x1
> /give 5.56mm_ammo x300
[Cost: 80 CP]
As the final CP drained to zero, a bright flash exploded beside him. A matte black M4A1 assault rifle appeared, complete with a full magazine and three spare clips.
Liu Yulan nearly fell backward, her eyes wide. "What… what is that?!"
Ye Tian raised the rifle, checking it expertly. The weight, the grip, the smell of fresh oil — it all felt real. His lips curled into a dangerous smile.
[Congratulations! You have earned a Unique Title: "Think Different."]
[Effect: Creative and non-traditional approaches grant +20% efficiency on all commands. Passive boost to innovation-based rewards. Increases CP gain from unique actions.]
Ye Tian's screen updated again.
[CP Gain Bonus: +20% (Passive)]
[Special Condition: Unlocks modern or futuristic weapon schematics for future commands.]
The snow rumbled violently. The ground at the camp's edge split open as a pack of Frostfang scouts burst forth. Smaller than the first beast, but still deadly — each as big as a bear, fangs glinting, eyes glowing a murderous blue.
[Frostfang Scout (x5)]
[HP: 500/500 each]
Liu Yulan's ice spears rose into the air, but her face was pale. "There's too many…!"
Ye Tian stepped forward, rifle raised. "Leave it to me."
He pulled the trigger.
RATATATATAT!
Bullets shredded the frozen silence. The first Frostfang scout's skull exploded in a spray of icy gore before it even took a second step forward.
[Damage inflicted: 800! Critical hit!]
The other beasts howled and charged in desperation, but Ye Tian shifted his aim with cold precision.
RATATATA! Another fell, riddled with holes.
Liu Yulan watched, frozen in awe and horror. She had never seen anything like this in her life — not even her S-Rank ice magic could match this sheer, unstoppable force.
"Yulan! Focus on the last two!" Ye Tian barked.
She snapped out of it, launching two massive ice spears. One stabbed through a scout's ribs, pinning it to the ground as Ye Tian finished it off with a final burst.
The last scout tried to turn and flee, but Ye Tian advanced, his steps echoing on the snow like war drums.
One last squeeze of the trigger, and the beast crumpled into the frost.
[Frostfang Scout Pack eliminated!]
[Reward: CP +200]
[Loot obtained: Frostfang hides x5, Beast meat x5, Ice crystal cores x2]
Ye Tian lowered the rifle, smoke curling from the barrel. He glanced at Liu Yulan, who was staring at him with wide, trembling eyes.
"You… you really are a monster," she whispered, half in fear, half in reverence.
Ye Tian laughed, his breath steaming. "No. I'm human. But we're humans who can think differently."
Her eyes softened slightly, then she nodded, her lips curling into a fierce smile. "Alright, Captain. What next?"
Later that Night...
[CP Remaining: 200]
With the sudden influx of CP and loot, Ye Tian decided to solidify their foundation before anything else.
[Upgrade: Campfire → Enhanced Furnace Campfire (keeps warmth constant and enables cooking)]
[New Function: Can cook advanced recipes, remove frost toxins from meat.]
[Upgrade: Camp → Level 2 Base (includes small wooden cabin, crafting table, storage box)]
[Unlocked: Basic crafting recipes]
• Frostfang Jerky (Restores 50 HP, keeps user warm longer)
• Frostfang Stew (Restores 80 HP, provides temporary frost resistance)
• Ice Crystal Blade (basic weapon recipe)
Ye Tian and Liu Yulan worked through the night. By morning, a sturdy wooden cabin stood where the simple stick tent had once been. Smoke curled from the upgraded furnace, spreading delicious warmth and the smell of cooked meat.
Liu Yulan took a bite of the steaming Frostfang Jerky, her face flushing red with joy. "This… this is the first time I've felt warm since coming here."
Ye Tian nodded, his eyes scanning their new stronghold. For the first time since the apocalypse began, he felt a flicker of real safety — a sense of home.
[Base upgrade completed!]
[Allies' HP regeneration increased.]
[Storage unlocked: Can now keep up to 50 items.]
Meanwhile, across the world…
The global system announcement flashed:
[Ye Tian has successfully defended against a Frostfang Scout pack. Base upgraded to Level 2. Crafting and food recipes unlocked.]
In distant regions, some survivors cheered, inspired by the sudden message. Others ground their teeth in jealousy, plotting how to find and steal what Ye Tian had built.
Back in Region 1082A98...
Ye Tian looked at the glowing furnace, then at Liu Yulan, who had finally fallen asleep against a pile of furs, her face peaceful.
He glanced at his console one last time for the night.
[CP Remaining: 200]
[Passive Skill: Commander's Blessing (Lv.1)]
[Title: Think Different]
A faint grin tugged at his lips. "Now we're just getting started," he whispered.
Outside the cabin walls, the wind howled — but for the first time, it sounded almost like applause.